Dr. William Green

Biography

William Green is a Professor at the University of Chicago, specializing in neurobiology. His research focuses on ionotropic neurotransmitter receptors, which are critical for the rapid postsynaptic response in nerve and muscle cells. These receptors are complex oligomeric proteins that open ion channels when neurotransmitters bind. The family of ionotropic neurotransmitter receptors he studies includes nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, GABA, glycine receptors, and glutamate receptors such as NMDA and AMPA types. His primary research goal is to understand the mechanisms that determine the number and functionality of these receptors at synapses—key determinants of synaptic strength and thus vital for learning and memory formation. These processes may also contribute to various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's Disease and Huntington's Disease. Green's lab is characterizing the basic cell biology of these receptors through various projects, including studying receptor assembly, trafficking, and clustering processes that maintain density at synapses. He has developed new techniques for assessing protein post-translational modifications, notably palmitoylation, which has facilitated collaborations exploring the roles of receptor subunit composition and trafficking dynamics.

Research Interests

Experience